(a) The provisions of this article, and of other applicable
laws of this state, shall govern the operation, equipment,
numbering and all other matters relating thereto whenever any
vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state, or when any
activity regulated by this article shall take place thereon, but
nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the adoption
of any ordinance or local law relating to operation and equipment
of vessels the provisions of which are identical to the provisions
of this article, amendments thereto or rules promulgated
thereunder: Provided, That such ordinances or local laws shall be
operative only so long as to the extent that they continue to be
identical to provisions of this article, amendments thereto or
rules promulgated thereunder.

(b) Any subdivision of this state may, at any time, but only
after public notice, make formal application to the director for
special rules with reference to the operation of vessels on any
waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth therein
the reasons which make such special rules necessary or appropriate.

(c) The director is hereby authorized to promulgate special
rules with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters
within the territorial limits of any subdivision of this state.

(d) The director shall immediately promulgate an emergency
rule pursuant to the provisions of section fifteen, article three,
chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, providing for the use ofelectric motors on the waters of Miletree lake in Roane County.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2016 Regular Session
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